Justice and Health Ministers launch Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Grant Scheme
Date published:
The Ministers of Justice and Health today launched a new small grants scheme aimed at reducing domestic and sexual abuse.
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme is a new initiative under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy and has been designed to support community and voluntary organisations in their essential work with victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “We recognise the critical role played by voluntary and community organisations, and local domestic and sexual abuse partnerships in not only providing vital support to victims and survivors, but also in contributing invaluable knowledge, skills and expertise to shape strategic, policy, and operational responses.
“This grant scheme represents an opportunity to further empower these organisations and sustain their frontline efforts.
“The funding will support innovative projects aligned with our strategic objectives, with a focus on driving meaningful change and delivering lasting impacts for those affected by abuse.
“Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by domestic and sexual abuse.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:
“The work of the voluntary and community sector is invaluable in ensuring that we can collectively reach out to and support those most affected by domestic and sexual abuse.
“The small grants scheme being launched today recognises this and we hope it will enable our partners in this sector to continue their essential work and make a meaningful difference.”
A total fund of almost £250,000 is available under the scheme for the 2024/25 financial year, with individual grants of up to £40,000. The grants aim to bolster new initiatives that will help to address the unique challenges faced by victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
The scheme is also intended to strengthen partnerships, foster innovation and ensure the continued delivery of vital services within our communities.
Member organisations represented on the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Expert Reference Group and/or those represented on the five local Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnerships are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to secure funding for transformative projects.
Completed applications for the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grants Scheme should be submitted by noon on 9th December 2024.
Notes to editors:
1. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grants Scheme is a key initiative under the seven year Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024–2031 (justice-ni.gov.uk), which was launched by the Justice and Health Ministers on 25th September 2024.
2. Applications are invited from member organisations represented on the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Expert Reference Group and/or those which are represented on five local Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnerships.
3. The aim of the scheme is to empower frontline organisations and sustain their essential work in addressing domestic and sexual abuse within our communities. Through this initiative, the Department of Justice aims to support projects that create meaningful change and deliver lasting impact for those affected by abuse, aligned with the strategic pillars set out in the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy. These are:
- Partnership - Driving change together through joint commitment, leadership and partnership working.
- Prevention - Preventing domestic and/or sexual abuse from happening by challenging the attitudes and behaviours that foster it and intervening early where possible to prevent it.
- Children & Young People - Preventing domestic and/or sexual abuse from happening and ensuring children and young people who are victims are seen and heard; and can access services and receive support, helping them to recover and taking account of their particular needs.
- Support and Provision - Ensuring that all victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse can access tailored, responsive and specialised support and provision to recover and rebuild their lives.
- Justice - Ensuring justice responses are effective, supporting victims and holding individuals who are abusive to account, at the earliest opportunity.
4. Accessing support:
- The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 802 1414 or Email help@dsahelpline.org. For more information visit DSA(external link opens in a new window / tab) website
- Contact details of other support services, including Carafriend, HERe NI, Men’s Advisory Project, NSPCC, Victim Support NI, Women’s Aid etc, can be found at Nidirect(external link opens in a new window / tab) website
- Anyone who feels in immediate danger should dial 999. If it is difficult to talk, use the ‘silent solution’ by pressing 55 when prompted (if phoning from a mobile phone). This allows police to know it is a genuine emergency.
5. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via Email.
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours on 028 9037 8110.